Obama picks McCormick Place for election night rally (Massive downsizing!)

Chicago Tribune ^ | 10/17/12 | Rick Pearson

[markomalley]

President Barack Obama plans to hold his election-night rally at Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center, a move aimed at easing concerns over weather and security, sources with knowledge of the event said Wednesday.

Given the indoor location, the event seems unlikely to match the electric atmosphere of Obama’s 2008 outdoor victory rally in Grant Park. That event drew an estimated 240,000 people downtown and created picturesque images of the city’s skyline that were seen worldwide.

While the decision to use McCormick Place will tamp down the crowd size, it will provide the president with greater security.

McCormick Place was the site of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in May, an event designated as a “national special security event” by the federal Department of Homeland Security.

Obama’s election-night rally is expected to receive the same designation.

[markomalley]

The absolute largest facility in McCormick Place has a capacity of 11,500 people (W-375). And it goes down from there.

That's a huge downsize from the 240,000 people for the last time.

Sounds like he's planning to lose...

[Venturer]

it will provide the president with greater security
...........................................................
It isn’t Obama who will need security, it is the city of Chicago.’’By the way, the joint better get their money in advance and include in the price, enough to cover damages.

[FightforFreedomCA]

Anyone know where he (R)eal Victory party is scheduled for Team R/R?

[True Republican Patriot]

He knows there is more coming about his fraudulent and Treasonous Actions! He will go down in History as a Total Fraud, a Liar, an Aspiring Dictator, and as a Devout Muslim Terrorist bent on Destroying Our Christian America and Our Devout Belief in GOD! HUSSEIN (Barack Obama) hates GOD and Loves ALLAH!

[True Republican Patriot]

He knows there is more coming about his fraudulent and Treasonous Actions! He will go down in History as a Total Fraud, a Liar, an Aspiring Dictator, and as a Devout Muslim Terrorist bent on Destroying Our Christian America and Our Devout Belief in GOD! HUSSEIN (Barack Obama) hates GOD and Loves ALLAH!

[Pontiac]

In 2008, free tickets were offered online, and they quickly ran out.

I doubt that will be a problem this time unless there is free beer.

[GonzoGOP]

The absolute largest facility in McCormick Place has a capacity of 11,500 people (W-375). And it goes down from there.

Considering that Soldier Field is right across the street, if he was able to fill the venue it would certainly be available. Not a whole lot of Tuesday Night Football.

[Viennacon]

The next downsize will be moving the party to Chuck-E-Cheese.

[Colonial Warrior]

Only gonna have one port-a-john...they use police cars anyway!!!

[DeathBeforeDishonor1]

Actually the trucking ramps provide plenty o’ clearance for forking Michelle to the the upper level.

[null and void]

Q: What happens in Oakland when the Raiders lose?
A: They riot.

Q: What happens in Oakland when the Raiders win?
A: They riot.

[Daffynition]

Since he's not getting the crowds....wonder if the ushers will be ordered [again] to have people *move* forward to the seats in the front to look filled for teevee.

[Vince Ferrer]

[Daffynition]

Media Ignores Dozens of Post-Debate Death Threats Against Romney

We shouldn't be surprised.

[moovova]

Good golly...I hope there’s room for the Greek columns.

[null and void]

I wouldn’t even fork Michelle with your lift...

[tanknetter]

Sounds like he's planning to lose...

Not only that, but by using a much smaller venue and flooding it with various Federal LEOs (plus state and local) they're possibly also hedging against the possibility that if he loses Chicago may burn for the second time.

[Billthedrill]

There’s a conference room at the Chicago Holiday Inn that’s open that evening. No-host bar and free rides home for anyone overcome by the Thunderbird-in-a-bag thing that’s probably going to be more popular anyway.

[Dr. Sivana]

That's a huge downsize from the 240,000 people for the last time.

Silly! The weather report calls for a .5% chance of lightning that night! Don't you care about public safety?!

[Slyfox]

Celebrating the GOP Victory